I first approached Rogers Centre requesting special, peanut/nut free seating in 2006. In 2008 and 2009 the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts provided an Executive Lounge where we could watch the game, without being surrounded by fans shelling peanuts. All allergies were accommodated.

Some of you may remember what a huge success it was and what it felt like to attend a baseball game, for the very first time, with your allergic child. There were big smiles on everyone’s face.
It was such a thrill… Families traveled from the US and all over Ontario…

Unfortunately, this initiative ended with a management change at Rogers Centre. There was no special seating for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Due to the efforts of Stephen Brooks, Sr. VP Business Operations, the Toronto Blue Jays announced they would provide a Peanut/Nut Controlled Section for 3 games this season. The announcement came just in time to kick off Food Allergy Awareness Month.

The first game took place Monday, May 28th – the day following the Mississauga EpiPen/AAIA Take Action Against Reactions Event. Sara Shannon (Sabrina’s Law) was able to join us. There was a young girl celebrating her 21st birthday with 16 of her friends. She said it is the first game she has been able to attend in 11 years. They were all having a very good time!

We were in section 204, with a great view of the centre outfield. Everyone who attended the games in previous years agreed the section was preferred to watching from the lounge.

Blue Jays staff really went ‘above and beyond’ to ensure that we would be safe and well looked after. They provided us with our own designated concession stand and washrooms. A paramedic was on duty. Part of the neighbouring section was left unsold to provide a buffer zone.

They made a concentrated effort to publicize the availability of the section and bring awareness to anaphylaxis. The final Peanut/Nut Controlled game of the season is August 10th against the Yankees. The Jays ended up adding seats to accommodate 199 fans. We are very pleased to have the MP for Mississauga South, Stella Ambler joining us.

The Blue Jays also, generously donated an “Allergy Friendly” suite for 20 people, for the July 28th game against Oakland as a prize for the EpiPen/AAIA Take Action Event. It was won by long time Mississauga Anaphylaxis Group member Angie Foley and her family. They invited my son, John and I to join them. There were 4 peanut/nut allergic children enjoying the game with very pleased parents looking on.
Aramark, who handle the food requirements for Rogers Centre, provided a varied, peanut/nut free menu for us to order from along with a complete ingredient listing. The Aramark staff had checked and double checked every ingredient.

In 2008, Monika Gibson, AAIA Ontario spokesperson, said special seating at Rogers Centre to reduce the risks for those with anaphylaxis is a “heart-warming and cooperative spirit of our communities in accommodating persons with life threatening allergies”.

We received a lovely letter from a family who lives in Albany, New York. They travelled to Toronto in August for the last "Allergy Aware" game in section 204 at Rogers Centre. Here is what they had to say:

“What a wonderful experience for us to bring our son to his first major league baseball game. To see his face light up as he took in the enormity of the stadium and to watch the excitement when the bat cracked for the first time and he jumped to his feet. At the very same instant my wife and I had a different experience, a feeling of peace knowing that he was safe…that he was enjoying baseball just like any other 10 year old…no worries for any of us. We laughed, pointed out our favorite players and enjoyed a stadium hotdog. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share that moment with him. Thank you Toronto Blue Jays for your hospitality and thank you CAI for making it happen”.

Toronto Blue Jays have doubled the number of games in Peanut/Nut Controlled Section-204 for the 2013 season. Stay tuned for more information on the link for purchasing tickets.
The dates are:
• April 30th vs. Boston
• May 14th vs. San Francisco
• June 17th vs. Colorado
• July 19th vs. Tampa Bay
• August 27th vs. Yankees
• September 10th vs. Angels

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